Unfortunately, Joel Freeland (left leg) and Pavel Korobkov (left knee) suffered injuries during the practice today, both had to be taken to GMS Clinic for further tests. Joel and Pavel missed the trip as well as Aaron Jackson (broken face bones). The coaching staff decided to take all available players to Saratov, including the young ones and captain Victor Khryapa who just got back to practicing with the team.
“Avtodor is a very good team, fast and athletic, we respect it a lot,” CSKA head coach Dimtris Itoudis said. “They currently have best offense in Eurocup averaging 95 points a game. They lost just one game at home against Lokomotiv when their offense was not so productive and they scored just 70 points. Everyone who steps on the court for Avtodor is dangerous – either it Stoll, Lukashov, Chapell, Kolesnikov, Klimenko, Zabelin, Brooks, Peterson, Fidiy or anyone else. Their main weapon is definitely fast break, they also very good in offensive rebounding. We have to be focused and we expect difficult game.”
It has to be reminded that Avtodor was one of the toughest opponents for the Army Men last year. CSKA fought until the end to take the win from Saratov and lost at home in meaningless game for both teams.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 46-16
Short dossier
Avtodor Saratov
Founded: 1960
Colors: black, white
Home court: Kristall Ice Palace (5500)
President: Vladimir Rodionov
Head coach: Alexey Vasiliev
Website: www.avtodor.ru
Trophy case: 4-time Russian League runner-up (1994, 97, 98, 99), 2-time Russian League bronze winner (1992, 96), EuroCup semifinalist (1998), Superleague A champion (1997, 98), Superleague B champion (2009), Superleague champion (2013/14)
